The first Republican primary debate last night saw eight GOP hopefuls — not including criminally indicted front-runner Trump — go head to head in the race to become the party's 2024 presidential candidate. Amid the usual name-calling and punch-throwing, the candidates squared off over some of the country's most pressing voter issues, from abortion and the economy to the Ukraine war. Even global warming came up — though admittedly only two Republicans gave remotely straight answers, and one of them called climate change "a hoax".
In case you missed it or just need a refresher, here are some of the highlights and key moments from the 2024 presidential election's first GOP primary debate.
Nikki Haley calls for a consensus on abortion laws
Addressing what has become one of the most prominent voter issues of the 2024 election, Haley began by stating that she is "unapologetically pro-life," but emphasized that abortion is a "personal" issue and that politicians should be honest with voters about the likelihood of federal legislation against abortion being passed.
Instead of a federal ban, Haley argued, lawmakers should focus on measures such as banning late-term abortions, encouraging adoption and improving access to contraception. She also made clear her opposition to "putting a woman in jail or giving her the death penalty" for terminating a pregnancy.
Haley's stance on abortion is considerably more moderate than that of some of her fellow candidates, like Mike Pence and Dough Burgum, who are staunchly pro-life and have backed harsh laws against even very early-term abortions.
All but two candidates would support a convicted Trump
Bringing up what he called "the elephant not in the room," moderator Bret Baier asked the candidates which of them would still support Donald Trump if he was found guilty of any of the 91 federal charges he's currently facing. All but two of the Republicans onstage — Asa Hutchinson and vocal Trump critic Chris Christie — rose their hands to say that they would.
"Someone has got to stop normalizing this conduct," Christie said. "Whether or not you believe the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of the president of the United States."
Asked directly at the debate if they’d support Donald Trump if he is convicted of a felony, 6 out of 8 Republican presidential candidates raise their hand. pic.twitter.com/GbciS9sF6f
— The Recount (@therecount) August 24, 2023
Ron DeSantis was also quick to shut down any discussion of the Jan 6 Capitol riot, which president Biden is sure to lean on in his election campaign. After the moderators asked if Pence did the right thing by not helping to overturn the 2020 election result, DeSantis jumped in with: "Mike did his duty. I've got no beef with him," and asked that the debate not dwell on the Jan 6 topic.
“Mike did his duty. I’ve got no beef with him.” - Ron DeSantis pic.twitter.com/x3USmzBTM1
— Queen of Donuts (@DonutsQueen2) August 24, 2023
Vivek Ramaswamy steals the spotlight
American entrepreneur and right-wing wild card Vivek Ramaswamy, who made his first real foray into politics just this year, overshadowed the career politicians onstage in what was his first ever political debate.
Despite having no political experience — he was, at one point, branded a "rookie" by Mike Pence — Ramaswamy appears to have successfully positioned himself as a worthy outsider opponent to his rivals, whom he snarkily described as "bought and paid for."
Ramaswamy's closing remarks, in which he denounces "wokeism" by reeling off every right-wing buzzword under the sun, also won him some convincing applause from the audience.
Trump and Tucker's counter-programming
Oh, and if you're curious what happened in Trump and Tucker Carlson's interview, which aired the same night, here's a preview — complete with laughably dramatic backing music and, for some reason, discussion about whether or not Jeffrey Epstein killed himself.
Donald Trump. Tucker Carlson.
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 23, 2023
Debate Night in Bedminster
8:55pm ET pic.twitter.com/w8nGhOfEdv
[Image credit: YouTube]
